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Malaysia Visitor Information

Etiquette

Visitors to Malaysia should remember to be respectful of local culture and dress modestly, especially if visiting rural areas. Shoulders should be covered and trousers or long skirts should be warn rather than shorts however attitudes are more open-minded in major metropolitan areas. Public affection is also frowned upon in rural areas and although it is tolerated in larger cities, it may invite unwelcome attention. Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia and same-sex relationships are taboo. GLBT travellers should avoid holding hands and any other signs of affection in public. Shoes should be removed before entering someone's home or a place of worship. Visitors should also never give a gift or eat with their left hand, never point with their forefinger or feet and never touch a person's head.

Money

Malaysia's currency is known as the ringgit but is still often referred to as the dollar. Abbreviated to RM or MYR it is divided into 100 sen (the equivalent of cents). Although most Malaysian banks don't process international transactions there are international banks located throughout the country. Banks are generally open from 9.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday with selected branches open from 9.30 am to 11.30am on the first and third Saturday of every month. The majority of Malaysian ATMs do not accept withdrawals by US debit cards due to high levels of fraud in the past. Travellers are advised to bring adequate cash or travellers cheques in case their card is rejected.

Staying Connected

Although internet access is available are most resorts and hotels, Malaysia is one of the world's first countries to offer 4G connectivity. WiFi access is available via hot spots in fast food outlets, restaurants, shopping centres and city-wide wireless connections. Electricity in Malaysia is 230V/50Hz using the rectangular, three-pin British socket. To dial out of Malaysia you need to use 0011 + the country code 60+ area code + local number. Check your local area code when you arrive. When you're wanting to make calls outside Malaysia, remember the time difference. Malaysia's time zone is

Transport

Malaysia's highway networks are excellent and the North-South Expressway will take you along the west coast of Singapore all the way to the Thailand border. Petrol or gasoline is reasonably priced at around RM1.90/litre however tolls payable on expressways can be on the more expensive side. Long distance trains are a cheap and reliable way to travel around the Peninsular and the western line connects near Penang to Kuala Lumpur while the eastern line runs to the Thai border. The Electric Train Service runs 10 services daily travelling at 140km/h and can deliver you in air conditioned comfort from Lumpur to Ipoh in just over 2 hours. Buses are the cheapest way to travel around Malaysia and all towns feature terminals offering connections to the rest of the country. Luxury buses are recommended for long distance travel and visitors are advised to book in advance.

Visas & Immigration

Most visitors to Malaysia do not require a visa to enter the country if they hold a valid passport. However some nationalities must obtain a visa to enter Malaysia, this information is available from immigration and should be confirmed before travel. Visitors entering Malaysia will be issued with an entry permit stamp on their passports for 14, 30 or 90 days. Then length you are able to stay in Malaysia is dependent upon your country of origin, however most foreign visitors who don't require a visa are permitted to stay for between 14 and 30 days. Some European and American citizens are also permitted to stay for up to 90 days.